MRI study of odontoid process of axis vertebra

Background: The features of the odontoid process and vertebral body of axis vertebra through MRI can be assessed

Objective: To evaluate the morphology of odontoid process and body of axis vertebra in male and female Pakistani population through MRI

Methodology: This cross sectional study was conducted on fifty males and fifty females [24 - 70 years of age] were randomly selected from the MRI suit of Radiology department Sheikh Zayed Hospital, from 1 June 2014 to 30 June 2015. Patients with gross pathology or degenerative bone disease and those with evidence of an injury to upper cervical spine were excluded from the study. The measurements of odontoid process [height, APdiameter and vertical angle] were assessed. Height of axis vertebra and various parameters of vertebral body of the axis were observed. The data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 24

Results: The mean height of odontoid process was 19.2 mm in females and 20.7 mm in males. The mean APdiameter of odontoid process was 10.1 mm in females and 10.6 mm in males. The mean vertical angle of odontoid process was 60.0 in females and 61.4 in males. The mean height of axis vertebra was 35.6 mm in females and 38.3 mm in males. Anterior body height of axis vertebra was 16.4 mm in females and 17.7 mm in males. Posterior body height was 13.9 mm in females and 14.5 mm in males. The mean APdiameter of the axis body was measured to be 15.9 mm in females and 17.0 mm in males

Conclusion: The findings in this study may be useful to the surgeons to avoid injury to vital structures while working around the axis vertebra. These observations may be helpful to devise new methods of fixation of fractures of odontoid process which may decrease the time of union and danger of nonunion

Study of native foramina transversaria in the cervical spine

Background: Native Foramine Transversaria [NFTs] has varions sizes and geometrical shapes

Objective: To assess the size and shape of native foramina transversaria in the cervical spine

Materials and Method: Study design: Descriptive observational study. Place and duration of study: Anatomy department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan and Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt., District Rawalpindi. Duration of this study was from 1[st] July 2012 to 30 June[th] 2014. The study included 45 sets of cervical spine [315 human cervical vertebrae]. Maximum and minimum mean values for the length and breadth of NFTs were measured by vernier calipers with accuracy of 0.01 mm. Size and shape of NFTs were assessed and analyzed

Results: The largest NFT was of C1, with mean length of 7.44 mm and breadth of 5.95 on right side, whereas smallest NFT was of C7 with mean length of 5.61 mm and breadth of 4.16 mm on right side. The rest of the NFTs showed measurement which fall between these readings. The frequency of different shapes possessing type 1 to 5 with number of all the NFTs was assessed. Type 3 was the most common [prevalent in NFTs of C3 and C4] and type 2 was least common [NFTs of C1]

Conclusion: The size of NFT is larger in our population. The NFTs possess variant sizes and geometrical shapes at different cervical levels, which may help in facilitating the preoperative planning and avoid possible trauma to its contents during tissue dissection and instrument application

Prevalence and morphometry of arcuate foramen in atlas vertebrae in pakistanis

To assess the prevalence and morphometry of arcuate foramen and comparison with native foramen transversarium in atlas vertebrae of Pakistani population. Descriptive / observational study. This study was conducted at Anatomy department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College Rahim Yar Khan and Wah Medical College Wah Cantt. during a period of two years from Jan 2012 to Dec. 2013. The study included 150 dried human atlas vertebrae. Prevalance of complete arcuate foramina [CAFs] in atlas vertebrae were noted and its anteroposterior and superoinferior diameters were measured by vernier calipers with accuracy of 0.01 mm. Size and shape of CAFs were compared with native foramina transversaria [NFTs]. Out of 150 atlas vertebrae, 13 [8.66%] showed CAF. The mean anteroposterior diameter of the right CAF was 6.71 mm and that of left was 6.76 mm. The mean superoinferior diameter was 5.07 mm on the right and on left side it was 5.22 mm. The mean cross-sectional area of CAFs was 26.74 mm[2] and 27.77 mm[2] for the right and left sides respectively. The mean cross-sectional area of the right NFTs was 34.86 mm[2], while the mean area for the left was 35.31 mm[2]. This study provides information on the morphometry of arcuate foramen and ipsilateral native foramina transversaria [NFTs] and their implications. The observation that CAFs are smaller than ipsilateral NFTs suggests that they are an important cause of vertebral artery compression syndromes and needs careful investigations. Knowledge of CAF may help the surgeons undertaking procedures in the C1 region

Morphological study of native foramina transversaria in the cervical spine

To assess number, type and diameter of accessory foramen transversarium [AFT] in the cervical spine. Descriptive observational study. This study was conducted at Anatomy department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan and Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt., district Rawalpindi. Duration of this study was two years. The study included 45 sets of cervical spine [315 human cervical vertebrae]. Direct measurements were taken with vernier calipers sensitive to 0.01 mm. The data were collected on a designed collection sheet. Number, type and diameter of AFT were assessed, recorded and analysed. Out of 315 human cervical vertebrae, the numbers of AFTs were mostly observed in the lower cervical vertebrae; C4, C5 and C6 showed AFTs present as 13.33%, 35.55% and 51.11%. AFTs were 33 on right side and 46 on left side. AFT type I was the most common present in 52 vertebrae [16.50%]. The mean AFT diameter on right side was 2.13 +/- 0.53 mm and on left side it was 2.29 +/- 0.73 mm. The incidence of AFT was higher in our population and AFTs were more in the lower cervical vertebrae. Studying the number, type and diameter of AFTs is of clinical significance in understanding the possible neurovascular variation and their course. Such variations should always be suspected when examining transverse processes having an unusual pattern of foramina transversaria

Morphological study of superior articular facets of atlas vertebrae

To assess morphological variations of superior articular facets of atlas vertebrae. Descriptive observational study. This study was conducted at the Anatomy Department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan and Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt., district Rawalpindi. Duration of this study was two years. The study included 60 dried human atlas vertebrae of unknown age and sex. The instruments were hand lens, lead pencil and markers. Morphological parameters of presence of a notch/ constriction, presence of a groove, tendency of separation, pressure facets and shape of 120 superior articular facets [SAFs] were examined and noted. In superior articular facets notch/constriction on medial border was 13.33%, lateral border 15% and on both borders 40%. The SAFs without notch/constriction were 31.67%. Grooves on right, left and bilateral facets were 11.67%, 23.33% and 46.67% respectively. No groove was present in 18.33% SAF. The tendency of separation on right and left facets [right 50%, left 48.33%] showed no significant difference. Incomplete separation [right 6.66%, left 8.33%] and complete separation [right 3.33%, left 5%] was slightly more frequent on left side as compared to the right SAF. The pressure facets were present on 5% on right side, 6.66% on left side and 51.66% SAF on both sides. Regarding the shapes of SAF, dumb-bell was the most frequent [34.17%] followed by oval [31.67%] figure of eight [20.83%] and kidney shape [13.33%]. The knowledge of quantitative anatomy of superior articular facets of atlas vertebrae will prove useful for the surgeons who perform operative procedure in this region and will help in avoiding complications

Accessory foramina transversaria in the cervical spine: variations and their clinical significance

To assess number, type and diameter of accessory foramen transversarium [AFT] in the cervical spine. Descriptive observational study. Anatomy department, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan and Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt., district Rawalpindi. Duration of this study was two years. The study included 45 sets of cervical spine [315 human cervical vertebrae]. Direct measurements were taken with vernier calipers sensitive to 0.01 mm. Number, type and diameter of AFTs were assessed, recorded and analysed. Most of the AFTs were observed in the lower cervical vertebrae; C4, C5 and C6 showed AFTs present as 13.33%, 35.55% and 51.11%. AFTs were 33 on right side and 46 on left side. AFT type I was the most common present in 52 vertebrae [16.50%]. The mean AFT diameter on right side was 2.13 +/- 0.53 mm and on left side it was 2.29 +/- 0.73 mm. The incidence of AFT was higher in our population and AFTs were more in the lower cervical vertebrae. Studying the number, type and diameter of AFTs is of clinical significance in understanding the possible neurovascular variation and their course. Such variations should always be suspected when examining transverse processes having an unusual pattern of foramina transversaria

Study of the spinal canal of upper cervical spine

Background: The anteroposterior and transverse diameter of cervical spinal canal is reported to have some variability among different populations

Objective: To determine the midsagittal [antero posterior] diameter at the inlet and outlet and coronal [transverse] diameter of cervical spinal canal in first cervical [atlas] and second cervical [axis] vertebrae. Additionally review of literature was conducted to compare the findings with previous reported findings

Material and methods: This descriptive study was conducted in Anatomy department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan and Wah Medical College, Wah Cantt. Rawalpindi, Pakistan. Measurement of midsagittal and coronal diameter of spinal canal of first and second cervical vertebrae was carried on dried human spinal columns of Pakistani origin

Results: In atlas vertebra mean midsagittal inlet and outlet diameter was 32.96 and 30.46 mm respectively whereas coronal diameter was 27.89 mm. In axis vertebra mean midsagittal inlet and outlet diameter was 20.74 and 15.80 mm respectively with a coronal diameter of 22.73 mm

Conclusion: Measurement of sagittal and coronal diameter of upper cervical spinal canal is of great clinical significance. Larger sagittal diameter of spinal canal has a protective effect with respect to injury of the spinal cord, so further studies are suggested to standardized the values of spinal canal

Study of myelinated fibers in the common peroneal nerve in monkey

The common peroneal nerve [CPN] motoneurons were localized by horseradish peroxidase neuronal tracing technique. They extended from caudal part of L4 to the caudal part of L6 segments of the spinal cord in monkey [macaca mulatta]. The number and diameters of myelinated fibres in the CPN and its ventral roots, L4, L5 and L6 of the monkey were estimated from the photomicrographic montages of their araldite embedded transverse sections. The mean count of these fibres was 896 in L4, 3228 in L5, 6959 in L6 and 7497 in CPN. The average diameters of myelinated fibres in ventral root measured between 2 and 1 [micro]m and in CPN between 2 and 22 [micro]m. The percentage of myelinated fibres measuring 9 [micro]m and above was 79.1% in L4, 86.7% in L5, 63.4% in L6 and 63.5% in common peroneal nerve

Projections in the dorsal column nuclei of femoral and obturator nerves in the rat

The central projection of primary afferent fibres of the femoral and obturator nerves to the dorsal column nuclei were studied in the albino rat. Horseradish Peroxidase [HRP] labelled terminations were observed through most of the caudorostral extent of the ipsilateral gracile nucleus. This formed an oblique band whose long axis was directed in a drosolateral and ventromedial direction in case of femoral nerve while in case of obturator nerve, the terminations occupied a central area in gracile nucleus. No labeling was observed in cuneate or external cuneate nuclei

Morphometric study of the lumbar vertebral canal in the normal adult Pakistanis

1. To determine the normal values of the midsagittal diameters of the canal and body of lumbar vertebrae in Pakistanis. 2. To find out the relationship between the midsagittal diameters of the vertebral canal and the vertebral body at all lumbar levels. 3. To determine the anteroposterior diameter of inferior vertebral notch and to find out its ratio with the vertebral body. STUDY DESIGN: the anatomic dimensions of the vertebral body and spinal canal of the lumbar vertebral were analysed in Pakistanis. SETTING: Department of Anatomy Nishtar Medical College, Multan. PERIOD: June 1993 to December 1996. MATERIALS AND METHODS :one thousand five hundred measurements were performed on the midsagittal diameters of vertebral bodies, spinal canals and anteroposterior diameters of inferior vertebrae notches using complete sets of 75 lumbar vertebral. The mean midsagittal diameters of the lumber spinal canal in the Pakistani Population was less than that of South African and Nigerian population while the anteroposterior diameter of inferior vertebral notch was slightly greater then that of Nigerians. the midsagittal diameter of the lumbar spinal canal is narrowest in the East Asian population; the radiologic criteria of spinal stenosis should be reconsidered for these people

Visualization of neurons forming the obturator nerve in albino rat

To localize and estimate the size, number and segmental distribution of motor, dorsal root ganglion [DRG] and postganglionic sympathetic [PSN] neurons whose axons form the obturator nerve in albino rat. Setting: Department of Anatomy, Basic Medical Sciences Institute, Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. Subjects: Male, adult albino rats of Charles River strain. Main outcome measures: Horseradish peroxidase [HRP] method of tracing neurons by injecting 25-30% HRP solution into the muscles supplied by the obturator nerve. The motoneurons extended between L2 and L4 segments of the spinal cord, appeared as groups of neurons occupying anterolateral, posterolateral and central groups. The labelled sensory neurons located in L2-L4 ipsilateral dorsal root ganglia were densely populated in L3 DRG without any somatotopic organization. Ike sympathetic neurons were labelled in L2-L4 sympathetic ganglia with heavy labelling in The. The somal diameters of the motoneurons ranged between 10 and 50 micro m with majority having somal diameters greater than 25 micro m. The size spectrum of sensory neurons measured between 12 and 50 micro m and that of sympathetic ganglion cells between 10 and 38 micro m

Study of motor units innervated by common peroneal nerve in monkey

The average number and size of motor units were assessed by investigating the components of motor units supplied by Common Peroneal Nerve in monkey [macaca mulatta]. The motoneurons forming the common peroneal nerve [CPN] localized by horseradish peroxidase neuronal tracing technique extended from the caudal part of L[4] to the caudal part of L[6] segments of the spinal cord. The average somal diameter of motoneurons ranged between 14 and 78 m. The motoneurons measuring more than 38 [micro]m [presumably the alpha neurons] were 69.23%. The motor end-plates on skeletal myofibres of muscles supplied by the CPN were localized by using Bromo-indigo and urea-silver technique. The average number of motor units was assessed as the ratio between the number of motoneurons and the motor endplates. The total of 992 motor units with the size of 157 of the muscles innervated by the CPN have been observed in the present study

Localization of motor, sensory and postganglionic sympathetic neurons forming the femoral nerve in albino rat

The present study yields informations on the location, number and size of motor, sensory and postganglionic sympathetic neurons forming the femoral nerve in albino rats localized by horseradish peroxidase [HRP] method of tracing neuronal connections. It showed that the motoneurons of femoral nerve extended between L[1] and L[4] segments of the spinal cord. They appeared as groups of neurons occupying anterolateral, posterolateral and central groups. The labeled sensory neurons were located in L[1] - L[4] dorsal root ganglia[DRG] and were concentrated mostly in L[3] DRG with no somatotopic organization of the cells. The postganglionic sympathetic neurons [PSN] were labeled in L[1] - L[4] sympathetic ganglia with peak frequency in L[4] sympathetic ganglion. The somal diameters of motoneurons forming the femoral nerve ranged between 10 and 58 [micro]m with majority having somal diameters greater than 25 [micro]m. The size spectrum of sensory neurons measure between 14 and 60 [micro]m. The sympathetic neurons measure between 10 and 44[micro]m